Protecting Medicaid

Overview

Medicaid, the Federal program designed to provide health insurance to the economically disadvantaged, helps over 50 million people receive the medical care that they need.  One in four children rely on Medicaid for everything from vaccinations to critical care.  Over half of all nursing home residents will rely on Medicaid to help pay for their care.  Recent federal budget cuts have targeted Medicaid-slashing the program's budget by $ 4.8 billion.  Most states are also considering drastic changes to their Medicaid programs.  These changes threaten to cut medical services to those who can least afford to pay on their own.  The NPA believes that the gutting of Medicaid is short-sighted and morally wrong.  More people will become sicker as a result of Medicaid cuts.  The cost in human suffering and national productivity should not be underestimated.  The NPA will fight to protect Medicaid at the federal and state levels.  The United States should be seeking ways to stabilize and improve healthcare coverage, not undermine it.

Check back here soon for new links to our Medicaid Policy Paper, recent news on Medicaid, blogs, and ways to become involved in this issue.